NEWFOUNDLAND TREATY SHORE.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, what answer has been received from the French Commodore on the Newfoundland coast to the protest by the British Commodore against the erection of huts by the French at Flat Bay as contrary to the Treaty of Utrecht; and whether it has been decided to send to Newfoundland a Commission of Inquiry into the French shore question?

(1) The French Commodore does not admit that the hut in question is contrary to the Treaty, but has stated that the owner, not having been able to use it for the purpose of his
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fishery as he had intended, will remove it about the end of July. (2) The question of a Commission of Inquiry into the "Treaty shore" question is under the consideration of Her Majesty's Government.